New Drug Approved for Treatment of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer in Specific Patient Population

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lung
Cancer Alliance (LCA) applauds the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approval of Xalkori (crizotinib) with non-small cell lung
cancer (NSCLC) who are ALK positive. The drug was approved
based on data from two clinical trials, both of which showed a
significant increase in overall survival.

Xalkori targets the echinoderm microtubule-associated
protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) mutation.
According to the FDA, the mutation is only present in 1-7% of
people with NSCLC, primarily those diagnosed with
adenocarcinoma.

"This is exciting news," said LCA President & CEO, Laurie
Fenton Ambrose. "Personalized medicine is where we are headed
for lung cancer treatments. This is one of the first steps
towards identifying medications that help select populations of
people. We must continue to identify other mutations and find
drugs that treat them to finally see cures for lung
cancer."

"I was enrolled in the phase I trial for this drug," said Linnea
Duff, NH resident and longtime lung cancer survivor. "At the
time I began the trial, I was hoping to have my life extended for a
few months. Instead, I got three more years to spend with my family
and friends. In addition, because this was a targeted therapy, the
side effects were minimal and my quality of life during this time
has been remarkable."

Xalkori has shown a life changing response to lung cancer in
those patients who are ALK positive. Lung Cancer Alliance
encourages lung cancer patients to discuss genetic testing options
with their health care team.

It is important to note that many genetic mutations have been
identified but not all have drugs to target the mutations at this
time. With continued focus from researchers and increased
participation in clinical trials, more and more of these
personalized therapies will become available.